The Battle for Spartan Swim and Dive provided an update on future plans to reinstate the Michigan State varsity swimming and diving programs.
While things aren't exactly looking promising in terms of fundraising efforts, the fight continues. According to the Battle for Spartan Swim and Dive, t is not over, despite a recent report from Swim Swam saying so.
Below is a press release sent out on Thursday, in full:
EAST LANSING - The Battle for Spartan Swim and Dive has not been informed of any formal decision by current President Teresa Woodruff regarding the future return of the MSU Swimming and Diving Men's and Women's teams, despite a recent media report. Our group continues its efforts to seek collaborative solutions to reach its goals -- goals that have been repeatedly altered and added to since our battle began in October 2020.
n December 2022, President Woodruff told a group of Spartan swimmers that if their supporters could raise $6.5 million in pledges toward operating expenses for the teams, a return was a reasonable expectation. Prior to that meeting, BSSD had already raised more than $1 million without any involvement from the university. We began that work in earnest, with the assistance of University Advancement, and to this date have identified more than $5 million in commitments toward that target.
Then in June, President Woodruff added an additional $20 million goal to help close the gap between the proposed 50-meter recreation pool and a top-tier, NCAA competition facility. Without any renderings, marketing or naming opportunities, as well as being told not to reach out to certain high-level donors, our team proceeded to try and find funding. Our aim was always the top-tier option, yet we understood that there were less-expensive options that would still provide the accommodations needed for a varsity program, including a baseline facility with expanded seating, varsity locker rooms, and coaches offices.
The unfortunate revelations regarding former MSU football coach Mel Tucker made a significant impact on our efforts to both fundraise as well as work with Athletic Director Alan Haller on pragmatic solutions for the number of issues presented, including the Title IX inequities revealed just last week by an independent reviewer. The upheaval of that situation delayed a scheduled meeting with Haller, and we heard from multiple potential donors that the latest news was dissuading them from pledging money to Michigan State.
Despite the inordinate ask by the president and numerous obstacles, our volunteer group of alumni, parents, athletes, and supporters remained committed, with a meeting scheduled with Haller on Sept. 28 to continue the facilities funding conversation. At the last minute, that meeting was joined by President Woodruff as well as representatives from Facilities and Fundraising. Woodruff dismissed consideration of alternative pool designs or funding options involving the Athletic Department, stating the university had “taken a big swing” for us but we failed to raise $26.5 million in four months. We have since attempted to follow up with all attendees at that meeting to present facts and proposed solutions, but have not received an official reply from MSU.
Battle for Spartan Swim and Dive has worked professionally, collaboratively, and tirelessly for nearly three years to engage with MSU leadership and correct a decision that everyone we speak to acknowledges was a mistake. Yet once again, rather than continue the productive conversations that were ongoing, and further supporting our fundraising efforts by providing full access to the Spartan Fund and other donors, a temporary leader with a 10-month tenure decided to try and end a 99-year-old Spartan program.
The Battle for Spartan Swim and Dive will once again outlast bad decisions and continue our efforts with even stronger resolve. We are eager to meet with the new MSU president and will continue collaborations with those university leaders who have worked with us in good faith.
Our goal is now both the return of the MSU Swimming and Diving program as well as the construction of a new aquatic facility that serves the needs of the entire university community. Go Green.
Visit www.battleforspartanswimanddive.com for more information on our campaign.
While things aren't exactly looking promising in terms of fundraising efforts, the fight continues. According to the Battle for Spartan Swim and Dive, t is not over, despite a recent report from Swim Swam saying so.
Below is a press release sent out on Thursday, in full:
EAST LANSING - The Battle for Spartan Swim and Dive has not been informed of any formal decision by current President Teresa Woodruff regarding the future return of the MSU Swimming and Diving Men's and Women's teams, despite a recent media report. Our group continues its efforts to seek collaborative solutions to reach its goals -- goals that have been repeatedly altered and added to since our battle began in October 2020.
n December 2022, President Woodruff told a group of Spartan swimmers that if their supporters could raise $6.5 million in pledges toward operating expenses for the teams, a return was a reasonable expectation. Prior to that meeting, BSSD had already raised more than $1 million without any involvement from the university. We began that work in earnest, with the assistance of University Advancement, and to this date have identified more than $5 million in commitments toward that target.
Then in June, President Woodruff added an additional $20 million goal to help close the gap between the proposed 50-meter recreation pool and a top-tier, NCAA competition facility. Without any renderings, marketing or naming opportunities, as well as being told not to reach out to certain high-level donors, our team proceeded to try and find funding. Our aim was always the top-tier option, yet we understood that there were less-expensive options that would still provide the accommodations needed for a varsity program, including a baseline facility with expanded seating, varsity locker rooms, and coaches offices.
The unfortunate revelations regarding former MSU football coach Mel Tucker made a significant impact on our efforts to both fundraise as well as work with Athletic Director Alan Haller on pragmatic solutions for the number of issues presented, including the Title IX inequities revealed just last week by an independent reviewer. The upheaval of that situation delayed a scheduled meeting with Haller, and we heard from multiple potential donors that the latest news was dissuading them from pledging money to Michigan State.
Despite the inordinate ask by the president and numerous obstacles, our volunteer group of alumni, parents, athletes, and supporters remained committed, with a meeting scheduled with Haller on Sept. 28 to continue the facilities funding conversation. At the last minute, that meeting was joined by President Woodruff as well as representatives from Facilities and Fundraising. Woodruff dismissed consideration of alternative pool designs or funding options involving the Athletic Department, stating the university had “taken a big swing” for us but we failed to raise $26.5 million in four months. We have since attempted to follow up with all attendees at that meeting to present facts and proposed solutions, but have not received an official reply from MSU.
Battle for Spartan Swim and Dive has worked professionally, collaboratively, and tirelessly for nearly three years to engage with MSU leadership and correct a decision that everyone we speak to acknowledges was a mistake. Yet once again, rather than continue the productive conversations that were ongoing, and further supporting our fundraising efforts by providing full access to the Spartan Fund and other donors, a temporary leader with a 10-month tenure decided to try and end a 99-year-old Spartan program.
The Battle for Spartan Swim and Dive will once again outlast bad decisions and continue our efforts with even stronger resolve. We are eager to meet with the new MSU president and will continue collaborations with those university leaders who have worked with us in good faith.
Our goal is now both the return of the MSU Swimming and Diving program as well as the construction of a new aquatic facility that serves the needs of the entire university community. Go Green.
Visit www.battleforspartanswimanddive.com for more information on our campaign.
